Interview: Thomas Ramette on the hunt!
Reigning Arenacross UK Champion Thomas Ramette (SR75 World Team Suzuki) is a man on a mission: to extend his title. Last weekend he scored his first victory in Birmingham after a podium finish in the opening round. Due to a disastrous match in the second round, the fast Frenchman has to chase.
Ramette, who already has three Arenacross titles to his name, is now six points behind leader Cédric Soubeyras. We spoke to Thomas before he traveled to Belfast for the all-important double showdown tomorrow and the day after.
Thomas Ramette: “Absolutely, I had a breakdown in Newcastle when the plastic cover of a hay bale got caught in my rear wheel. I was leading the final at that moment, but because of the plastic I couldn't brake anymore, I crashed and eventually I finished last. When I won the title last year, I had not won a single final. That's why it feels great that I have already grabbed my first overall victory! I already knew that I had the speed. However, I made too many mistakes in the previous matches, especially in the semi-finals. Everything fell into place in Birmingham because I was also the fastest in Superpole.”
I assume after the French SX season you had to get used to the different type of track we see in Arenacross UK?
Twigs: “It's not so much the layout itself. Also in France we don't always ride on larger circuits such as Paris or Geneva. The biggest difference is in the soil. In England it is a bit softer, which causes many traces. In Manchester the ground was so soft that the whoops were even driven away, which actually created waves. That plays to the advantage of riders with less supercross skills. But in Birmingham we had a very nice track with good soil.”How do you estimate the level now? The entry list in Arenacross UK has never looked so strong ever.
Twigs: “A lot of guys go really fast, that's for sure. I think the French riders do have some advantages because they raced supercross from June to December. In France, however, racing also takes place on smaller tracks such as in Lyon or Amnéville. So that doesn't make much difference with Great Britain. For someone like Dan Reardon who mainly raced on larger indoor circuits in the US or Australia, that is a big change. Of course Reardon is very fast, but he makes too many mistakes and his starts were not really perfect yet. In general the lap times are really close together. You therefore pay for every mistake you make in cash!”
It's like walking a tightrope to find the balance between the aggression you (especially) need at the start and the patience not to make mistakes and not to act hastily.
Twigs: "Precisely! You really need to control your races. It's certainly not just about speed. Even if you are second or third, you feel the pressure of the riders behind you. Therefore, it is always better to put yourself in a position where you have every chance of staying out of trouble. As the Americans say: the start is the key to the race, then you have to find a good rhythm. If you can get that holeshot, your chances of a strong end result will of course increase significantly.”
Indoor motocross sometimes seems more like a contact sport than a race. Do you have arch rivals in the championship?
Twigs: “Hmm, not anymore. I have to admit that things got a bit out of hand with Soubeyras in 2016. We had heated battles all season and it ended badly. However, since then we have raced together many times and now our relationship is better. There have been no problems since then and things are going well for now. “
It's an interesting combination: you are in a French team together with another French rider, Cyrille Coulon.
Twigs: “That's right, it is indeed special. In the meantime, I have been riding for SR4 World Team Suzuki for 75 years, and I have also ridden for them in France for the last 3 years. Things are going very well and the team is taking care of everything during the race weekends so we can concentrate on driving. The engines are running well and Geoff (ed. Walker), the team owner and manager, continues to push to improve. Fortunately, I get along well with Cyrille. He helps me find a good suspension setting or try new lines. You could say that Cyrille is a bit like my older brother! Honestly, we make a great team.”
Very few riders focus exclusively on supercross like you do. The complete S75 competition calendar consists only of indoor events. That must be an advantage?
Twigs: “In some ways it is, but it's not like some American riders who only want to do SX to have fewer races . We actually just do more competitions. We work eleven out of twelve months a year! But in practice I still ride a lot of motocross in training. Especially now because the weather does not allow supercross racing in good conditions. I also like riding MX because if you only do supercross you lose speed in the corners or you lose the feeling of riding in deep ruts. “
The competition format of the British Arenacross is special. What do you think of that formula?
Twigs: “The races are short and explosive, but the public often sees the top riders driving. Everything depends on the spectacle, both the format of the matches, for example the 1-on-1 rematch, the Superpole where you can score points, but also the track itself. It is not too technical so there is a lot of struggle. It's always full house and the crowd goes crazy. You should definitely come and have a look in Hasselt!”
Speaking of motocross, who is your favorite for the Le Touquet Enduropale this weekend?
Twigs: “Good question… I think Nathan Watson will be the man to beat. Watson really showed what he is capable of in the French beach races in which he has already participated. I also see Yentel Martens running at the front. My podium would be Watson, Martens and Richard Fura. “
Good luck in Belfast!
Twigs: “Thank you, I'll do my best!”
Photos: ArenacrossUK
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